President Ron Bassan’s Report

G’day everyone and I hope this newsletter finds most of you well. We had the Special General Meeting on the 21 st February and thank heavens we did have Quorum, we had twenty two members turn up for the meeting and I had one proxy. I sat down and re-wrote the Constitution, bringing it up to date, it took me two days but it was well worth it. After going through the Constitution, we found some mistakes which were corrected on the spot and the Constitution was adopted unanimously with the Department of Fair Trading, Qld. The constitution of A Field Battery has now been ratified and accepted by the Justice Department. Most people turned up the night before and Lloyd provided a Barbeque and while we were enjoying it a thunder storm hit. After the barbecue we had a few drinks and some socialising, which was very nice. Remember, the financial year ends this year and into the future on the 30 th June, not July. There are half a dozen members who have not paid their subs for 08/09. If you think you have not paid, contact me and I will soon let you know, also, someone sent the Treasurer a money order for their subs with no note or who sent it and we could not even distinguish what post office had written the money order. Our Annual General Meeting and Reunion will be held on the 11 th to 13 th September, 2009, at the Maroochy River Coach House, Maroochydore. If you intend to come to the AGM, please book in early as I believe there are going to be some new faces there as well as the old. For bookings, ring 07 5448 4344, or if you want to know more, contact the Secretary. Finally, once again I have to finish this report on a sad note. We have lost three more of our members, Jim Ponting, Brian Scott and John Downes. That’s enough waffle from me for this edition, Semper Paratus Tex

Book in now for The AGM and Reunion, a great weekend, Friday 11th. Sept, to Sunday 13th. Sept. 2009 MAROOCHY RIVER COACH HOUSE An absolute waterfront home-style resort, superb meals, entertainment and real hospitality. This weekend is one of our best reunions, if you have never done it, make the decision now; you will not be disappointed The Maroochy River Coach House provides 64 fully air-conditioned ensuite rooms, air-conditioned licensed restaurant and bar, function and tour services. A relaxing time with old friends in a pleasant environment. Spacious dining room serves all home-style meals prepared fresh each day. The resort has TV lounge, licensed bar and swimming pool. Laundromat and general store. Ph: 07 5448 4344 Fax: 07 5448 5602 Address: David Low Way Maroochydore Qld 4558. PO Box 86 Bli Bli 4560 Anzac Day 2009 in Sydney Town I attended the Dawn Service in Penrith then by train to the City. For a change the day was fine & we actually had a good dry march, the Battery turned up in "droves" (I think we must have had about 90% on parade. Our old Mate Frank Berrier was on parade together with Peter & the family. Only one drawback was we had to scrounge a lift for Frank with a Infantry Land Rover, due to The Battery not able to supply one for us. From the March we adjourned to the Coronation for Drinks etc.(which was very well catered for considering the crowd); boy can those young fellows sink the liquor I had forgotten. All in all we had a very enjoyable day. Terry Jobson and Bluey Hassel Now for next Year. John Smith Brian Privett

Colin Flatters, (caught actually shouting.) Reg Etienne, John Smith, ? and Brian Privett

The photos below are a couple taken at the Brisbane Anzac Day March and the others are of a presentation we made to Mr. John Dent of Barnes Auto for their help in looking after our guns. The photo of Saint loading the slab of beer was shot by Arthur Burke as the Saint slipped a carton into the truck for the driver who, by the way, is the same bloke who has done the job every year. The others are of the truck with the guns on board leaving 1st Field Regiment early morning on ANZAC Day, Don Sinclair and Bob Cunningham presenting the plaque to the manager of Barnes Auto at their office at Rocklea, and the plaque itself. The plaque is a piece a Tulip Pine from the Maleny rain forest that the very handy Saint bought and machined at home. The centre piece is the medal badge that we put on our assn. plaques. 'All in' - example of the Indigenous contribution. Indigenous service Much thought was The Australian Army and given to the use of the Royal Australian Navy, Indigenous manpower excluded persons ‘not substantially of European origin for the war effort. In or descent’ until the threat of Japanese invasion Northern Australia, the necessitated the recruitment of Aboriginal and Torres Special Reconnaissance Strait Islanders. The Royal Australian Air Force was Unit raised in 1941 by more lenient, accepting Aboriginal and Torres Strait anthropologist Flight Islanders early on because of a critical shortage of Lieutenant Donald Flight Sergeant Leonard manpower due to the demands of the Empire Air Thomson was formed Waters, Australia’s first Training Scheme. almost exclusively of and only Aboriginal fighter Despite the early ban on their enlistment, a Aborigines and Torres pilot during World War II, number of Aboriginal volunteers either claimed another Strait Islanders. Similar seen here in his Kittyhawk nationality or just renounced their Aboriginality. Some units were formed at 'Black Magic'. recruiting officers either through indifference or Bathurst and Melville confusion allowed Indigenous Australians to slip Island, at Groote Eylant and on the Cox Peninsula. The through. Outstanding soldiers such as Reg Saunders and Aboriginals who served in those units were not formally Charles Mene slipped through and demonstrated that enlisted and nor were they paid. In 1992 they were fears of disharmony finally awarded medals and remuneration. between black and It is estimated that approximately 3000 white personnel were Indigenous Australians served in the regular armed unfounded forces and possibly up to 150 in irregular units. Even

now it is impossible to estimate how many Indigenous In mid-1941, men and women enlisted to serve in World War II. changes in attitude Australian Defence Force enlistment forms did not allow towards Indigenous for Aboriginals to declare their heritage until 1980 and Australians enabled so we can only guess how many thousands volunteered numerous Aborigines for both home and overseas service. to enlist in some of Lieutenant L Reg Saunders, In Katherine in the Northern Territory, Aboriginal the smaller units of the first Aboriginal compounds were located near the Army units and most the services where commissioned in the of the men worked as labourers. They were employed in they were able to Australian Army being ammunition stacking, timber cutting and cement works, integrate and congratulated by Lieutenant maintaining gardens, slaughtering cattle, and assembling sometimes to become Tom Derrick VC DCM after and clearing gearboxes. The Army eventually employed NCOs, commanding their successful graduation 20 percent of the Territory’s Aboriginal population. white soldiers. In from the Officers Cadet Aboriginal women were employed in domestic duties or these smaller units the Training Unit at Seymour, as hospital orderlies at the 121/101 Australian General Indigenous Victoria,25 November 1944. Hospital at Katherine. Australians were able Although they were not classed or treated as to leave the prejudices of their civilian world behind Australian citizens, many Aboriginal and Torres Strait them and be accepted as Australian servicemen. Islander servicemen and women fought and died for The Torres Strait Light Infantry battalion was one Australia during World War II.

in the 2nd AIF and the militia. Many Many of them were not given were killed fighting and at least a the right to vote for another 22 years. dozen died as prisoners of war. So, until 42 years ago, As in the First World War, indigenous Australians were certainly Aborigines served under the same fighting the wars of a country that conditions as Whites and, in most didn't recognise them as its own Australia does not have a lot to cases, with the promise of full . Aborigines who fought for be proud of with the treatment of our citizenship rights after the war. their country came back to much the indigenous servicemen. Generally, there seems to have same discrimination as before. For The technical answer is been little racism between soldiers, example, many were barred from because Aboriginal people weren't however, when they returned to RSL clubs, except on ANZAC Day. considered Australian citizens until Australia they were not allowed to This becomes more shameful the referendum of 1967, so they apply for the Returned Servicemen's when we reflect that these dogmatic didn't qualify for all the benefits that Settlement Scheme, nor were they laws were not changed until recently comes with being an Aussie." permitted to have a beer along with modern times; ten years after we Hundreds of Aborigines served other returned servicemen. embarked for Malaya in 1957 SANDAKAN DEATH MARCH

Approximately 455 POWs left Sandakan in different groups between January and March, 1945. By the end of June, five months later, only six of the group from this first march were still alive at Ranau. Trying to survive with only four days rations – rice, some dried fish and salt - and burdened with Japanese equipment - sacks of rice, ammunition and other items - the men struggled through the swamp, jungle and mountain forest. Those too weak to continue were shot Three of the survivors of the Sandakan-Ranau death or beaten to death. Keith Botterill one of the six marches: Private Nelson Short, Warrant Officer survivors from the Sandakan death marches later William Sticpewich and Private Keith Botterill, recalled:I’ve seen men shot and bayoneted to North Borneo, 1945 death because they could not keep up with the party. We climbed this mountain about 30 Those too incapacitated to move were left miles out from Ranau, and we lost five men on behind in the burnt-out camp to die. that mountain in half a day. They shot five of them because they couldn’t continue. But I just Those on the second march left Sandakan kept plodding along. It was dense jungle, I was camp on 29 May 1945. These men were heartbroken, but I thought there was safety in sicker and even more malnourished. They numbers. I just kept going. ate what they could find in the jungle – snails and tree ferns – and the Japanese Many of the men had been sent on rice- guards beat them with their rifle butts to carrying parties between Ranau and urge them on. Those who couldn’t Bombardier Richard 'Dick' Paginatan, a village approximately 20 walk any further were shot, Braithwaite, 2/15th Australian kilometres before Ranau. Men from some bayoneted or in some cases, Field Regiment escaped of the groups on the first march just beheaded. Only 183 of the men (142 from the second Sandakan- wasted away there and died. Others, who Australian and 41 British POWs) Ranau death march in couldn’t complete the nine-day trips, were survived to reach Ranau on 27 June, June 1945 either shot or bayoneted to death. 26 days after they left Sandakan. No effort whatsoever was made to bury the men. They would just pull them five to On 28 July, when four Australians managed fifteen yards off the track and bayonet them to escape, there were about 40 POWs still or shoot them, depending on the condition of alive at Ranau, despite the beatings, the men. If they were conscious, and it was bashings and tiny rice ration they were what we thought was a good, kind guard, given. In August 1945, the Japanese they’d shoot them. There was nothing we massacred the surviving prisoners. Evidence could do. suggests that these last survivors were put to death on 27 August, 12 days after Lance Bombardier William 'Bill' Those who survived to reach Ranau the official Japanese surrender. Moxham, 2/15th Australian Field were herded into insanitary and Regiment was on the first death crowded huts and many died from Only six soldiers, all of them march and escaped from dysentery. By 26 June, only five Australians, survived the Sandakan Ranau in July 1945 Australians and one British soldier were death marches: still alive. • Warrant Officer ‘Bill’ Sticpewich , Australian Army Service Corps Those POWs who had remained at Sandakan • Private Keith Botterill , 2/19th Battalion were also suffering from malnutrition and • Lance Bombardier William Moxham , disease and between February and May, 885 2/15th Australian Field Regiment Australian and British prisoners died at the • Private Nelson Short , 2/18th Battalion camp. In May, after a large Allied sea-air • Gunner Owen Campbell , 2/10thAustralian bombardment of Sandakan, the Japanese Field Regiment evacuated the remaining ill and malnourished • Bombardier Richard ‘Dick’ Braithwaite , 800 or so prisoners and burned their 2/15th Australian Field Regiment. camp. Gunner Owen Campbell, Approximately 500 of those well 2/10th Australian Field Without these survivors we may enough to move were gathered in Regiment escaped from the never have discovered the fate of eleven groups for the second march second Sandakan-Ranau more than 2000 Australian and to Ranau. death march in June 1945 British POWs. Their Journey’s Just Begun

Don't think of them as gone away, their journey’s just begun, life holds so many facets- this earth is only one.

And think of them as living in the hearts of those they touched… for nothing loved is ever lost- and they were loved so much.

E. Brennerman They shall not grow old, As we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, Nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, And in the morning, We will remember them.

KEN. AGNEW TOM. BANFIELD TREVOR. BEER S.J. BLANCH (OAS. Malaya ) GORDON CARMICHAEL TOM. CARRUTHERS KEITH. CHRISTENSEN RICHARD. DUGGAN R.M. DUCAT (OAS. Malaya ) PAT. DALY TOM. DAWSON JOHN. DOWNES GEORGE. FORSYTHE ROBERT J. (BOB) GRAY NEIL HARDEN MICK. HARKEN B.D. HENDERSON (OAS. Malaya ) KEN. KENNEDY BOBBY. LEWIS JOHN. MACDONALD L.G. MATHERS (KIA. Vietnam ) E.J. (LOFTY) MOORE R.J. PARKER (OAS. Vietnam ) R.J. (JIM) PONTING DAVE. QUIRK PETER. RAINSBURY CLIVE. RALFE BRIAN. SCOTT PETER. SEDDON R. F. SMITH BRIAN. WHISKER BERNARD. (PLONKY) WINE JOHN. WORBOYS Vale Warrant Officer Class One One national serviceman from this time, Reginald James Ponting Kevin Sheedy; the renowned Essendon player and Reginald James (Jim) Ponting passed away coach, was quoted in a Bulletin article before the on the 20th January 2009 after an eight week battle Anzac Day game in 2007 that the two men who had with cancer greatly influenced his life were AFL legend Jim was born in Cooma 21st September 1936 Tommy Hafey and the other an army warrant to Bill and Dorothy Ponting and spent much of his officer. early life at Cooma in the heart of the Majestic Sheedy said, ”I met this bloke called Warrant Snowy Mountains. Jim loved the High Country and Officer Ponting, He was in charge of basic training, the High Country moulded him into the big, I can remember thinking, gezz what sort of man is rugged, kind hearted Warrant Officer who served this ? I thought Tommy Hafey was tough, but with distinction in the Royal Regiment of Tommy wasn’t in it compared to Jim.” Australian Artillery for 20 years. It was not In October 1970 Jim arrived in Townsville to surprising that when he retired he chose to settle in join 12 Field Regiment for its 1971 Vietnam tour. Canberra, within sight of the Brindabella Ranges. He was a breath of fresh air arriving in HQ Battery In the turbulent years of the forties with his only a few months before going overseas. father Bill on active service in the Middle East, Jim It is normally the Gun Battery of the and his mum Dorothy moved into his grandparent’s Regiment who seem to be in the limelight, but Jim house in Cooma. Times were tough and his mother was determined that HQ Battery would be second needed to search far and wide for work, often to none. He supported his diggers 100% and would leaving Jim’s upbringing to his beloved come out all guns blazing if he thought they were grandmother who was to have a profound influence being unfairly treated. on his moral values. Today I can smile in my grief, when I recall Having attended primary school in Cooma, him taking his point to the very edgr and storming Jim moved to Sydney after the out of the Regimental 2ICs war and was reunited with his conference because he believed his mother and father but the war had soldiers were getting a raw deal. taken its toll and soon after his Jim retired from the Army on parents separated and Jim was 16th April 1977 after 20 years sent to the Blue Mountains service, during his time he was Grammar School as a boarder for awarded. Commendation for his secondary education, After Distinguished Service.- Australian completing his Leaving Active service Medal with clasp Certificate, Jim started work as a Vietnam.– Vietnam Medal.– garage assistant in Sydney. Australian Service Medal 1945 / Jim enlisted in the Army on 15th April 1957, 1975 with clasp SE Asia.– Defence the same day as his life long friend Ian Hodgson. Force Service Medal with First Clasp.– National After recruit training they were allotted to RAA and Medal.– Australian Defence Medal.– Vietnam trained at the School of Artillery as Air Defence Campaign Medal.– Pingat Jasa Malaysia Gunners. Jim was delighted at the invitation to become Jim served with, 110 Light Anti Aircraft an associate member of A Field Battery Battery, 111 Light Anti Aircraft Battery, Recruit Association. It was Jim who arranged the Scattering Training Battalion Puckapunyal, 12 Field Regiment of Ashes Ceremony of WO1 Ken Kennedy at and Army Office, Canberra. Kennedy’s Knoll at the Majura Field Firing Range He saw operational service in Malaysia from in the ACT. 21st June 1966 to 16th January 1968 and South Jim’s Funeral was held at the Anzac Vietnam from 23 February 1971 to 4 November Memorial Chapel of St Paul at Duntroon on Friday 1971 30th January 2009, where he and Cynthia were On his return to Australia, Jim was posted to married 20 years before. the Recruit Training Battalion in Puckapunyal The Gunner family were well represented where he was promoted to Warrant Officer Class 2 among the 400 strong congregation. and took up a position as CSM. Jim’s stature, toughness and professionalism again came to the Stand Easy ! Big Jim fore, as he trained National Servicemen in preparation for a possible tour of duty in Vietnam. (With thanks to Bob McEvoy and Len Batten) VALE --- BRIAN NUGENT ( Scottie ) SCOTT. 1931 --- 2009 I first met Scottie in 1949, we were both from Western Australia and he had joined the Army 6 months before me, we were friends but were to become good mates later on when we were posted to Western Command Workshops and later shared the same hut for 2 years in Malaya from 1957 until 1959. We worked together and played together and during all these years from 1949 until my last visit, a week before his passing, we never ever had a cross word, although thousands of drinks together. We have seen all of our children grow to become wonderful adults and Scottie and Val were there to help me cope with the loss of my beloved wife in 1999. To his wife Val and family, Brian will always be remembered as a loving father, a wonderful grand-dad and a fantastic person; his quiet wisdom will be greatly missed. To his friends and colleagues, their memory will always be of a dependable, honest and trustworthy man – just the sort of person you know you can rely on, if ever you need to. This is his legacy; it is how we shall all remember Brian Scott in the years to come. The illness, he so bravely endured may have taken him from us – but it will never rob us of his memory. This is a poem created by Brian’s granddaughter Elly, that she read so eloquently at his funeral, it manifests more of this man’s nature than any words from me. Ron ( Butch ) Slaughter

Fifteen months passed, another born, Teasing us with fresh air cake My sister Stacey May. Did not make you a favourite, With that our bond was woven Though you always made up with a tight, joke Forever it would stay. And just how funny you made it.

Back again to Perth you went So now I’m writing this for you, Although visiting more often. No longer a little girl. We always knew, that as you grew, You had grown quite old and ill, All you’d do is soften. But you’ll always be my world.

When I was just a little girl The journey’s been a tough one, Around the age of three, And you hadn’t been too well. You came to visit, I asked you to We all know something that will stay, never change – You said you’d have to see. And that’s the jokes you tell.

The next year came so quickly, Now you’re up in heaven, I was a girl of four Looking down from up above. THE BEST GRANPA IN With princess crowns and fairy We’ll all miss you forever, THE WORLD gowns You’ve shown us so much love. I’d wave goodbye no more. When I was just a baby Brian Nugent Scott, Growing in my mother’s womb, I jumped with joy, I sang, I danced This poem I write for you. I knew how much I loved you For you were here to stay. Loving, caring grandfather, You’d see me very soon. Oh how happy we all were, Father, friend and husband too.

Just five minutes drive away. You travelled here from Perth

To see me in Mum’s tummy. Elly Chalk Years went by, we saw you lots, You felt me kick and watched me Our bond just getting stronger, grow, Because you were always so much And thought it really funny. fun

We’d beg Mum to stay longer. Then out I came, my life began

With no less love than now. The jail game, that rings a bell, You and Nanna came to stay, Escaping from your grip. Helped Mum and Dad, somehow. Running away and hiding,

Trying not to trip. You both went back to hometown

Perth, “Gotcha!” You’d yell, as you looked To which you were to stay. At nothing but empty space. Until Mum and I came to visit you, We had no clue that you always At six months and a day. knew

Our favourite hiding place. Vale John Warwick Downes 1940 - 2009

213822 Warrant Officer Class One John Downes , enlisted for National Service on 8th. January 1959, discharged on 30th. June 1960, after service in the CMF he re-enlisted on 5th January 1961, retired on 5th. January 1982 .

Overseas Service: Singapore, Oct. 1965 to Sept. 1967 Vietnam, May 1968 to May 1969.

Medals: Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasps Malaysia and Vietnam. Vietnam Medal. Defence Force Service Medal with1st. Clasp. National Medal. Australian Defence Medal. Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 Medal. Vietnam Campaign Medal. Pinjat Jasa Malaysia .

This eulogy was delivered at John Downes’ funeral It was only later, while travelling through the by his son Western Suburbs of Sydney that I recognised how important his work was in the hard times of the late I would like to thank everyone attending 1980s and the early 1990s, and how much hope he today, to pay tribute to my Father; John Downes would have given to others. My father had a full life over his 68 years, I didn’t know much of my Father when he the centre of that life was my was in the Army, in fact, early on Mother– his wife Lyn. Dad really didn’t speak of it as much It is important to as he should have and it is only in recognise the love and care recent years that I have fully of my Mother, over my appreciated how important his Father’s last few years. military service was. There can be no better But, Dad, with just a little bit example of a loving marriage of pride, did say that he was the than the tenderness of my fastest promoted sergeant in his Mother’s care, and the corps, he also added with a little dig fondness of my Father’s that his corps, by driving everywhere, affection. showed far more sense than mine It is in these times of which tended to walk. trial that strength of character Dad saw active service in really shows through. It is Vietnam and an operational tour of that strength of my Father’s Malaya, he finished his career as character that I would now Regimental Sergeant Major; the like to reflect on. senior and most respected rank in any My Father would boast Army unit. that he only had three My Father passed away with employers; Sydney Railways, the Commonwealth his immediate family, my sister Ann and my Public Service and of course the Australian Army. Mother close by, he was also supported by To me that is a life characterised by loyalty, numerous family and friends during his last days. dedication and discipline. In his few moments of distress, he knew that It is fair to say that my Father didn’t have the we were there for him, as he had been for all of us, opportunities that I did, through the sheer without judgement. misfortune and untimely loss of his parents. My Father would also like us to recognise As I said to my Dad only a few days ago, the heartfelt and immense support given to his everything that my sister and I have done is family, especially in recent days. because he let us stand on his shoulders. My Father passed away with his faith It’s a credit that his hard work gave us the rediscovered, may his life sustain our faith in his privileges that he never had. passing As a child, I really didn’t know the ins and outs of his work at the CES, but it filled me with Farewell Dad, we will always need and pride, that Dad’s job was finding jobs for others. remember you. Confrontation with Indonesia 1962-1966

The Indonesian Confrontation (or Konfrontasi in Indonesian) was an undeclared war fought from 1962 - 1966 through which President Sukarno of Indonesia tried to destroy the newly created nation of Malaysia. Sukarno argued that the new nation was in fact just a way of maintaining British colonial influence in the area. Indonesia had recently gained control of West Irian (formerly West New Guinea) from the Dutch, giving it a shared border with Australia in Australian-controlled Papua-New Guinea. Australia did not want any armed conflict with Indonesia on its border, but it also wanted a strong, united, anti-communist Malaysia. But when Malaysia was created, Indonesia declared its opposition and hostility to it. Indonesian President Sukarno was a militaristic, tough, nationalist, who was also trying to balance two great powers in his nation - the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI), and the Army. He hoped that his opposition to Malaysia would keep both of them together and in support of him. During 1963 the Indonesians sent small parties of regular and irregular soldiers to wage terrorist and propaganda actions in the former British areas of Borneo (Sarawak and Sabah). In 1964 they stepped up their actions to include raids on the Malaysian peninsula. The Australian government was reluctant to commit its troops to actions against Indonesian soldiers, but finally decided to do so when repeatedly asked by the Malaysian government. The main focus of Australian attention was in the Malaysian areas of Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak). Fighting was in difficult terrain and in an oppressive jungle climate. The troops were sited along the border to protect population centres from enemy attacks. But they also made frequent though secret incursions into Indonesian territory, forcing the Indonesians to defend themselves rather than be an attacking force. 3 RAR had four major contacts with Indonesian forces and suffered two mine casualties in 1965. In 1966 they were replaced by 4 RAR, which had a quieter time. In addition, two SAS squadrons, artillery batteries, engineers and RAN ships were involved. 23 Australians were killed, seven of these on operations, and 108 wounded. There was very little press coverage in Australia at the time, because of the sensitivity of the operations and the cross-border activities. The Australian troops were all sworn to secrecy about having entered Indonesian territory, and it was not until 1996 that the ‘invasion’ was publicly admitted. In 1965 Indonesian army leaders staged a coup against Sukarno, and massacred thousands of PKI members. Once firmly in command, they stopped the policy of Konfrontasi, and recognised the new nation of Malaysia in 1966

Australian forces involved Elements of the Royal Australian Engineers (RAE) 3rd and 4th battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) with tracker dogs and indigenous guides Elements of the Special Air Services (SAS) Regiment - the newly formed elite reconnaissance/patrol force Royal Australian Artillery support elements 693 Signal Troop (detached from 121 Signal Squadron, Singapore) Royal Australian Navy (RAN): HMAS Curlew, Gull, Hawk, Ibis, Snipe, Teal, Duchess, Vampire, Vendetta, Derwent, Parramatta, Yarra Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) elements

In this edition’s Letters to the Editor, Phil Calvert mentions The Battery saw active service during this campaign this paragraph below, from the History of the Battery that both on the Malayan mainland and in Sabah in Borneo.” was published on page 11 in the October 08 newsletter: Phil goes on to say that he would be interested in more “In 1965 the Battery again became a separate unit and information, regarding dates and locations. in September of that year returned to Malaya, now the The main article above is a brief description of the war. Federation of Malaysia, for active service in the If any reader can supply further information please contact Confrontation with Indonesia, as the campaign was the editor known. In 1942 Marilyn married James Dougherty, an aircraft plant worker, at the age of 16. He joined the Merchant Marines and was sent to the South Pacific in 1944. After Jimmy left, Norma In May Jeane took a job on the assembly line at the 27, 2001 — Radio Plane Munitions factory in Burbank, Hartzell California. Several months later, Spence, the photographer David Conover saw her while founder and taking pictures of women contributing to editor of YANK, died at the age of 93. the war effort for YANK magazine. He YANK, a weekly magazine written by couldn't believe his luck. and for ordinary soldiers, was a wonderful She was a "photographer's dream." experiment in democratic (if highly restricted) Conover used her for the shoot, on June 26, journalism that was read each week by an 1945, and she ended up on the cover of the estimated 2.2 million soldiers, sailors, and August 2, 1945 issue! (see photo below). airmen. Spence championed Sgt. George Baker, who had won an army cartooning contest, and published Baker's "Sad Sack" cartoons, with their colourful and realistic depiction of GI life. Spence was also responsible for YANK's most popular feature — the sexy photos of Rita Hayworth, Betty Grable, Hedy Lamarr, and other Hollywood stars and starlets, usually attired in low-cut gowns, swimsuits, or lingerie, that graced each and every issue of the magazine. One especially sexy pinup in 1945 featured the then unknown Norma Jeane Baker, long before she made her breakthrough in pictures as Marilyn Norma Jeane Baker on the cover Monroe. of the 2 August 1945 issue of YANK.

In the summer Not just any picture of Betty Grable, but this of 1941, just a picture was probably the number one pinup of few months World War II. before Pearl This image was reproduced on the Harbour was noses of hundreds of bombers, and tens of attacked, LIFE thousands of Airmen, sailors, GIs, and marines, far magazine ran a from home, listened to American songs broadcast black-and-white by Tokyo Rose, and gazed wistfully at Betty photograph of an Grable’s million-dollar legs. up-and-coming movie actress Jane Russell (the named Rita "Sweater Girl") was the Hayworth . product of pure publicity, In the supervised by her mentor, photo, the Howard Hughes. redheaded beauty is kneeling on a bed made up Her appeal was with satin sheets. cantered squarely on her Her silky nightgown is white, with black sulking beauty, glowing sensuality and, oh lace trimming the low-cut top. She's smiling yes, the ample bosom. slightly for photographer Bob Landry. In 1941, Hughes cast her as the The snapshot would become one of the temptress in his "sex Western," The Outlaw , from which this was most popular pin-ups of World War II. culled, destined to become one of the great WW II pinups . From Phil Calvert Dear Editor, Dear Editor, In a recent I thought I would write a letter to your great issue of the A Field Battery publication to explain that not all your readers are Newsletter there was an article intelligent and good looking as your average gunner. headed, Anzac Day 2008 Let me explain some of the things I have had to Terendak Camp, Malacca, put up with. I tell you, I got no respect, even as a kid: Malaysia, where reference was we'd play hide-and-seek, and nobody would look for me. made to the grave of Peter I was an ugly kid, too. How ugly? I was so ugly Badcoe, (with whom I served my mother breast-fed me through a straw. in 1Field Regiment in My mother had morning sickness after I was born Holsworthy). When I was born I was so ugly, the doctor slapped my mother. Beside his grave is that I was such an ugly kid, when I played in the sandbox the cat of WO. R.V.Lees; another kept covering me up. gunner, see enclosed photo When my old man wanted sex, my mother would show him a which I took about 10 years picture of me. ago during a visit to the camp. The time I was kidnapped, and the kidnappers sent my parents a note they said, "We want five thousand dollars or you'll see your kid I regret that I can’t 26182 Warrant again." provide anymore detail about Officer Class 2 Once when I was lost I saw a policeman and asked him to help WO2. Ronald Lees’ service, the Ronald Victor Lees me find my parents. I said to him, "Do you think we'll ever find them?" last contact I had was when he Dob 20 04 28 He said, "I don't know kid. There are so many places they can hide." was one of my Bombardier Dod 13 01 66 Instructors at 13 NS Training I get no respect at all, even from my dog he keeps barking at the Bn. At Ingleburn in 1959. front door. He doesn't want to go out. He wants me to leave. In the same newsletter the article on the history I saw my doctor last week, I told him, "Doctor, every day I wake of A Field Battery refers to Active Service in Sabah, up, I look in the mirror, I want to throw up. What's wrong with me?!" Borneo. I would be interested to know the dates of this He said, "I don't know, but your eyesight is perfect." service and also the location in Sabah where the Battery So you see, I ain’t real happy, but I am looking forward to served. having a few at the AGM in Sept. That will be me out on the veranda Keep up the great work, I enjoy each edition of with Harry Cook, yeah he’s back on the cigarettes, so nobody will want the newsletter to sit with him either. Regards, Phil Calvert. Regards from Rodney Dangerfield.

Raising a glass for fresh water The water that comes out of his new water station is 99% After having his Kinetico automatic pure and significantly reduces heavy metals, chemicals, minerals water softener for the last 20 years Reg and unpleasant tastes and odours. Reg adds that this water station Clatworthy from Toogoolawah is happy to does not run on electricity, so you don’t have to worry about introduce his new Kinetico K5 Drinking Water running up your electricity bill. Station with the Brisbane Valley community . This system has a reverse osmosis membrane, where the Reg said if people on bore water installed one water is forced through a semi permeable membrane under of these machines, they could have all the fresh pressure so it even cleans itself. Reg is more than happy to show water they ever wanted. anyone how his water systems work.

NUPTIALS INTERUPTUS As Robert Walker stepped out of the house and started to walk to the local shops, Lennie told Stan “The Lennie “Mr Big” Mc Pherson, married for the Man” to drive slowly toward him, while he pointed an second time in July 1963, he was 42 and his bride Marlene Owen Sub Machinegun from the window. Gilligan was 22 years old, and she was to learn When they got level with Walker, that life with Lennie would never be normal. Lennie McPherson opened fire, the bullets It was during the wedding celebrations ripping Pretty Boy apart as he collapsed; that Lennie was called away by an associate who already dead, into a pool of blood. whispered in his ear that a woman from They sped off and dumped the stolen Randwick had called, saying that Robert “Pretty car at nearby Kingsford where they had Boy” Walker was just about to leave her house. another vehicle planted and they hightailed it Lennie and his mate hurriedly left the back to the wedding reception, they had been wedding reception and jumped into a stolen 61 gone for just over half an hour. Holden and drove off to Randwick to park just Marlene smiled as they returned and down the road from the woman’s house and welcomed her new husband back to her side as waited for Robert Walker to emerge. he apologised for the interruption to their Robert “Pretty Boy” Walker was awaiting celebrations. trial for attacking a man at the Macquarie Hotel in Thus were played out the first hours of Lennie Woolloomooloo, known throughout the 60s and 70s as The McPherson’s second marriage, to Marlene Gilligan who Rockers or The Rock and Roll. bore him two sons, Danny and Craig. The problem was, the man that he attacked with an Marlene listed her occupation as “Home Duties”. iron bar was a friend of Lennies known as Stan “The Man” She was no doubt aware of the importance of serving Smith, a gunman and close associate of Lennie McPherson Lennie his dinner on time and now the driver of the stolen Holden.

President Vice President. Ron (Tex) Bassan Vice President. Donald (Saint) Sinclair 6 Harveys Rd. Ian Leven 60 Topsail Crt Beaconsfield. Qld. 4740 345 Teven Rd. Banksia Beach Teven, NSW. 2478 Bribie Island. Qld. 4507 Ph. (07) 4942 5433 Ph. (02) 6687 8834 Ph. (07) 3408 9009 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Hon. Secretary. Treasurer. Committee. Clare (Bonnie) Bassan. Bob Cunningham Ray (Bubbles) Alcorn. 6 Harveys Rd. 26 Kilburn St. 14 Lambourn St. Beaconsfield Qld. 4740 Chermside, Qld. 4032 Chapel Hill, Qld. 4069 Ph. (07) 4942 5433 (07) 3350 1394 [email protected] [email protected] (07) 3378 6906

Patron: Barry (Combat) Campbell. Editor. Ron (Butch) Slaughter . [email protected] 6 / 8 St. Ives Dr. Robina, Qld. 4226 Asst. Editor . Don (Saint) Sinclair . [email protected]. au Property Officer. Bob Cunningham. [email protected]. Liaison Officer.Qld. Ray (Bubbles) Alcorn. (07) 3378 6906 Liaison Officer. NSW. Robert (Dodger) Noonan. [email protected] Liaison Officer Vic. Rick Poley & Mike Pitman Liaison Officer. ACT . Alexander. Reynolds [email protected]. Liaison Officer. SA. Bob. McEvoy. [email protected]. Liaison Officer. WA. Max. Ptolomey. (08) 9447 4783 Liaison Officer. Tas. Bevan Filce Web Master. Peter. (Kimbo) Kimball . [email protected]. Advocate. Richard. (Dick) Morrison. [email protected] Auditor. David. (Banger) Harris

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Disclaimer This newsletter is produced for the membership of “A” Field Battery Association (Inc). Readers should not act, nor refrain from acting solely on the basis of information in this newsletter, on any matter. Neither the “A” Field Battery Association (Inc) nor the Editor accepts any responsibility for actions taken by readers. Views expressed by the authors contained in the newsletter, are not necessarily the views of the Association.